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7 Benefits of MSM – The Miracle Supplement

Biologically active sulfur is one of the most critical nutrients for our bodies to remain youthful and energetic. As we age, along with a diet deficient in essential nutrients, our bodies become stiff, our cells become rigid, and our overall energy begins to rapidly decelerate.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound that’s naturally derived during the earth’s rain cycle. Sulfur is present in many natural unprocessed foods, but it’s quickly lost during the cooking process. MSM is gaining a lot of attention due to the recent focus on longevity and anti-aging technologies. Here’s a list of 7 impressive benefits that MSM delivers:

1. Improves skin health and complexion

MSM is necessary for collagen production. Sagging skin and wrinkles, as well as dry, cracked skin are all developed through a loss of collagen. MSM works together with Vitamin C to build new, healthy tissues. MSM can normalize collagen formation and radically improve skin health.

2. Improves flexibility

Research has shown that MSM is highly effective in improving joint flexibility. Additionally, it helps to produce flexible skin and muscle tissue. This leads to an increase in overall flexibility due to a restoration of the “juiciness” in the tissues.

3. Detoxifies the body

One of the most important features of MSM is that it makes your cells more permeable. This means that it allows toxins and metabolic waste products to easily be moved out of the cells, while essential nutrients and hydration can be moved in. It’s a calcium phosphate dissolver, so it has a remarkable ability to break up the bad calcium that’s at the root of degenerative diseases.

4. Strengthens hair and nails

Collagen and keratin and both critical for the production of healthy hair and nails. MSM is a bonafide “beauty mineral” that provides the sulfur needed to produce collagen and keratin. It’s also highly noted to contribute to exceptional strength and thickness of the hair and nails, which can be noticed in just a couple weeks of consistent use.

5. Accelerates healing

Lactic acid and other byproducts cause pain and soreness in the body. MSM increases the ability of the body to eliminate waste products at the cellular level. This speeds recovery and frees up more energy for rebuilding.

6. Naturally Increases energy

Due to the increased permeability of the cells, less energy is required to deal with the accumulation of toxins. This results in more energy being redirected towards activity and necessary healing. Digestion is the biggest energy requirement of the body (Approximately 70-80% of your energy is spent on digestion each day). MSM increases the absorption of nutrients so that the energy expenditure on digestion is vastly reduced.

7. Anti-inflammatory

MSM is a powerful anti-inflammatory due to its ability to allow metabolic wastes to be removed from the cells. Excess weight on the body is actually inflammation. The cells of the body are chronically inflamed and retaining the byproducts of metabolic processes. Sulfur needs to be present In order for these toxins and wastes to be removed from the body. When these byproducts can be removed from the system, then the cells can also dispose of excess fluids that were being stored as a buffer. What results is a natural and effective reduction in unwanted weight.

How to use MSM:

MSM can be purchased in powder form or in supplement capsules. For best results using the MSM powder, added it to your water along with a botanical source of vitamin C like Camu Camu Berry or lemon juice. Most MSM supplements contain synthetic byproducts, but you can find an organic, 100% naturally derived MSM right here: OptiMSM Flakes. Start with one teaspoon of MSM powder in 16 ounces of water, and gradually work your way up to 2 to 3 tablespoons per day to see some really impressive results.

First I want to say THANK YOU SHAWN for the bulletproof your health contest! I’m still trying to believe I won actual cacao!

This MSM thing is so neat, i love learning new things such as the permeability of the cells and all the advantages and opportunities that kind of technology brings forth when implemented. A few weeks ago i had the wonderful fortune of winning a similar contest for some joint product with MSM in it. After learning about MSM from your videos, i was excited to get the product from the other company. It was in capsule form and after mixing one capsule with water and only sipping it, it didn’t resonate with me well and i think that’s because of the OTHER stuff that was in it. So i’m looking forward to some actual “healthier” sources of MSM because it truly is an amazing thing to add in.

Hopefully the cacao will resonate with me in an amazing beneficial way. I am so very excited to try this. I have known about cacao for months but I’m not sure i have ever actually tried any. Sure i’ve had chocolate before, but have i ever had cacao?! I am really looking forward to this. So much. This may give me an edge in helping my family learn about RAW and that it can and does TASTE amazing to eat healthy!
THANK YOU AGAIN!

I learned of mms from a navy biologist friend . He was lifting railroad ties at 68 years old up stairs rebuilding a boat dock . Two years previously he had broken his back ! He advised me to purchase 99.9 % pure powder from a veterinarian type feed store . Most of them have it for about $ 10.00 per pound and less in a 3 pound container . I’ve talked to a number of body builders using it regularly for muscle pain . My biologist friend says the toxicity is no more than water and won’t effect your liver like other prescription anti inflamtories . Personally I take it in water with powdered vitamin c for taste and chase it down with a little orange juice . Mixing it with vitamin c has many many other benifits . He stated the side affects are softer skin , thicker hair , and stronger nails . How can you go wrong ?

I definitely will be trying this next. It’s like one new and improved way of living after the other. So I’m trying to keep up here. Thank you for all of the information, I’m taking notes. Where can I get MSM powder? Hopefully I can persuade my fiancee to at least try and see for himself the benefits living and eating better can provide! Thanks again

You’re SO welcome Tiffany. One of the best strategies for incorporating good health with the family is focusing on doing small special things for you FIRST. You are the heart of the family, so you being strong and healthy is of the utmost importance. We just posted a link for people to get the best MSM that I’ve ever come across right above in the “How to use MSM” section.

I am interested in what ideas you have for DCIS and helps with side effects of chemotherapy. I am so open to natural things I can do to help me get through this and keep it from coming back in the future.
Thanks for your help – any suggestions would be appreciated.

We’ve been making some changes to the site, so it’s been a while since I’ve been able to respond to all of the comments but yours jumped right out at me… I LOVE when people take action on something and just try it on to see if it fits for them. MSM can be so great for a lot of people… I’m glad that you noticed some good things happening for you.

My lungs constantly have fluid for over a year. I started taking msm months, ago. I take 3 1000mg jarrow brand which has improved my breathing however the fluid in my lungs never seems to go away. Should I try increasing the dosage perhaps?

My integrative doctor just prescribed vitamin c and msm as part of my supplement program to help with my breast cancer diagnosis. I have been taking it three times a day for about a week, and I have noticed that I am sleeping better, and my hot flashes and irritability have disappeared (I was taken off bioidentical hormones upon diagnosis) and this would be an added benefit as I must keep my estrogen levels very low. I don’t want to take the anti hormonals prescribed with cancer treatment because of the side effects.

Kaara, thanks for sharing that, and I wish you a full recovery and more. My apologies for taking a moment to reply, we’ve been working on some great upgrades for the site to make it easier for people to connect with me and get solutions that they’re looking for. If you have any questions about your diagnosis, be sure to let me know and I’ll do my best to direct you.

I would also add flaxseed oil. If you look at the budwig diet, the reason Gerson actually says to use quark or cottage cheese, is because of the high amount of sulfur that is contained in these foods. Well you can’t get a higher amount of sulfur in food than sulfur itself! (;-D)

I just want to thank you. Where to begin, I came across your site by accident while looking for a solution to my very new symptoms that has changed my life, I became lethergic, no energy, too many cold sores, painful cramps during PMS, skin problem, etc..
As soon as I read the benefits in MSM above, I went out and bought MSM capscule (I don’t have much choice as I am in Dubai). Let me tell you MSM is a miracle at least for me. I am on it for four days now and I can see the difference, I have more energy. I have finished a 45 minutes high intensity work out without taking any stimulants. I am waiting to see how it is going to effect my PMS.
Words cannot express my gratitude for the effort and long hours you put to make the information available for us. Thousands thanks and may you be blessed always.

MSM is amazing!. I have RA and allergies. I started taking MSM since last December, the results: not pain, not inflamation, I’m breathing better, more energy and I lost several pounds. I just take 1 spoon with water after breakfast. I feel wonderful!

I have lots of problems, back, hip, knee pain, an just found out a have arthritis n my neck knee n hip. N plus am over weight. So a friend of mine told me about MSM, n they say it’s really helping them, am on alot of pain meds. Would that interfere with MSM? I really need something to help me with my arthritis, I have tarmdals, oxy’s, gabbapenton, fexcarel. And am tried alot.

Plant based powder is best. Tastes bad but it is the best. I mix mine with some manuka honey everyday and feel like im in my twenties again…I get mine from Amazon but most health food stores should carry it as well…

I’ve been taking MSM for a lot of years. I take 1 tablespoon dissolved in 1/4 cup of warm water every morning after I brush my teeth. I swish it around for 30 seconds and swallow. I have developed a lot of plaque on my teeth for my whole life. I started taking MSM faithfully after a dental cleaning and when I went back in six months, the hygienist was shocked because I had almost no plaque. The dentist was very interested in what I had done. My sweetie had suffered from severe bronchitis attacks every winter for 20 years. He’s had weak lungs his whole life. He started taking MSM 14 years ago and hasn’t had brochitis since. It was recommended by someone who had suffered from asthma since childhood. He never had asthma attacks after he started taking MSM. I’m a believer.

Bromelain (chewable tablets) between meals helps with arthritis. It is derived from pineapple so if you are not diabetic, pineapple juice is great too! MSN should help with some of the inflammation. You may consider researching a diet that is arthritis friendly (non-acidic).

Thanks for the information. My husband and I started taking MSM (organic crystals) about 2 weeks ago and it does have a bitter taste, but it’s not that bad. The most water you dilute it in, the less bitter it tastes. My husband started feeling a difference in his leg (nerve and muscle pain) pretty immediately, so he is happy. I run a website where we talk a lot about natural/organic living and there is a great articles on 20 uses for MSM. You can read it here: http://www.naturallysavvy.com/natural-and-organic/20-reasons-to-try-organic-sulfur.

I had a neck injury, triple whiplash, in 1985. Then a lower back injury to L4 L5 and C1 in 1990. Soon after I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, degenerative joint disease, and arthritis. There has not been one day without pain sense 1985. By 2001, I wasn’t able to take pain killers. My liver was so full of poison and I felt so sick everyday. MSM was my cure. It still took 2 and 1/2 years before my liver tests showed that my liver was healthy again. Never the less I am so thankful for MSM. I’ll never forget my mother always said “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.

I was excited and interested to find out the benefits of msm powder , I am seriously thinking about taking it , I’ve nevet actually heard about untill now ….. it sounds like its all I need for general good health. but I need to ask what is the best way to take it …how much of it will I need to take per day and how long before I see and feel a difference . ?

I just started taking msm its been about four days now and i noticed i have more energy, my skin texture is getting better, and it helped me w my constipation…i love this supplement nothing worked better or faster than this product..i recommend it to everyone.

you recommend 24000 to 36000 grams (2-3 tbsp) per day? I just recently started taking it again and have used 1/4 tsp once or twice a day (1000 to 2000 grams).. so it sounds like i’m not getting anything out of it.. should we really take 2 to 3 tbsp?

Hey Scott, to see some really noticeable effects, that’s what it takes in many instances. MSM has a very low toxicity level (about the same toxicity level as water!), so having too much is not really an issue (unless you do 24,000 grams lol). And also, it depends on what your issue/goal is. If you post what you’re using it for, I’ll be glad to share the ideal amount and some other things to utilize in conjunction with it.

2 years ago I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease (auto-immune hyperthyroid disorder). I was given 2 options by my HMO: radioactive destruction of a perfectly good thyroid gland (the thyroid was fine, was just being attacked by antibodies causing it to overfunction) or immunosuppressant drugs with a plethora of frightening side effects. I declined both, started MSM and within 2 MONTHS was in full remission and have been there ever since. No drugs no radiation and I feel like a million bucks, healthier at 52 than I have ever been. Thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my strong and active heart! 🙂

Hi Shawn
Am soooo glad i came across ur site. I bought msm capsules that had magnesium stearate so am definately not taking it but i was also wondering whether i can cut open the capsule and eat only the powder inside(if the mag stearate is in the capsule cover itself) How many mg is enough for targetting acne pigmentation marks ?
Thanks!!!

Hi Isabel, I’m glad you found me too :). Yes, you can open the caps and pour the contents into water. The mag stearate, however could be a part of the capsule and/or the powder itself.

My recommendation is to not worry about it too much now. Use what you have and then get a good MSM powder free of binders and fillers next time. Just follow the recommendation for dosage in the article above, and consider getting some high quality skin care with MSM to use topically as well.

hi! i am wondering how much to start on, i am 34, i STILL get acne, i was on corticosteroids from baby hood to 18 years old, and I’ve started getting rashes and eczema lately even eating a predominantly raw diet with fermented foods, and therapeutic essential oils 🙂 i have ordered kilo of organic MSM and want to know how to optimise it! can’t wait to start!
thank you!

Hi Holly, thanks so much for the question, and I’m glad to see you’re doing so much better to get your health where you want it to be. Being on medication that long is going to have a very harsh impact on your gut, nervous system, and endocrine system. Eczema is an autoimmune condition that can be reversed. But it starts with healing your gut first. This is where the majority of your immune system is located and the #1 place to focus. Check out this episode to see all the things that can be potential triggers (even though it’s likely you’re not coming across these with a high raw diet, but it’s best to be certain). – Avoid These 8 Foods At All Cost!

As for the MSM, start with a teaspoon for a few days, then bump it up gradually from there. I’d say go by half tsp increments. All should be well, and I’ve seen people do up to 3 tbsp and having seen any negative reactions.

What can I say about MSM that has not already been said. I discovered MSM while looking for headache tablets in a supermarket chemist about two weeks ago and I am already noticing a shrinking tummy size and all the marvelous things it does to my skin and digestion not to mention the calming effect of MSM. And I am experiencing the itch but unlike the learned suggestion that one should decrease the dose I actually think it is the body’s way of crying out for MORE MSM together with vitamin c and lots of filtered water. Turning 50 is the healthiest age I’ve ever been and it is opening the door to a healthy future.

I have been taking MSM since July 22, 1996, I remember that date because that is the last day that I experienced arthritic pain in my right hip. No only has it decreased my pain, but it also keeps my bowels regulated (sorry, I know we just met) and my immune system up – haven’t had a serious cold or flu. One of the side effects, decreased snoring – oh, boo-hoo! Haven’t noticed any other side-effects. Cheap, holistic, no side effects, works!

Rose I have been taking MSM since 1991..it’s one vitamin I never miss. I haven’t had a cold or flu in over 30 years..I think you are right ..it’s the MSM! I also got rid of my pollen and cat allergies, which were SEVERE with MSM. It helps so much with joint pain too. It also makes hair grow, skin softer and vision better. Several things not mentioned here is that since MSM makes cell walls more permeable, all your supplements absorb better if taken with MSM. Also very important NOT to take at night because it gives energy and will keep you awake. Last, to get the best benefits from MSM, always take Vitamin C with it. 2:1 ratio…example 4000 mg msm, 2000 mg vitamin c….thx everyone for sharing.. I am a believer in this miracle supplement.

Starting using MSM flakes one week ago and its use has reduced my pain by over 80% and my edema 100%! I cannot believe it! It almost seems too good to be true but, it’s not! I was living a life on pain killers (that were not working) and there were even times when I felt as though I wanted to take my life due to the constant state of pain that I was living in. I can pretty much say, thanks to my best friend recommending MSM, she and it virtually have saved my life! I’m finally happy and nearly PAIN FREE!!!

I have wanted to try MSM. I do have some joint issues but also have heard it is wonderful for post menopausal women with skin, hair loss, and nails. I also read somewhere there is a difference processing. Not to get crystallization. Any thoughts on that?

Hello, for 2 years now, am suffering from skin condition. My face is covered with dark patches. It all started on my nose and gradually spread all over the face. I used to have a fair complexion in the past. Pigmanorm cream given to my by the hospital made my skin worst.
Will MSM help in getting a clear skin without dark patches ?
Kindly advise. Thank you.

Reshma, thank you so much for the question. And thank you even more for sharing a bit of your struggle with me. You ABSOLUTELY can do some things to radically shift the complexion and health of your skin. MSM would be a small piece of the puzzle, but you need to heal your skin from the inside out. Follow this: http://theshawnstevensonmodel.com/improve-your-skin-naturally/

I had a hair transplant 20 days ago but the whole area is hyperpigmented and very dark (blakish+ purplish brown) I feel that skin like a second layer of skin. The doc says its partly a scar tissue and partly hyperpigmentation. Would MSM help me in this? Im already using Alevera fresh pulp on it. But no improvement in color so far. I can’t use any other chemical peel or bleech since there’s new hair follicles there. Please help me in this. Im desperate. 🙁

Hi!! I’m interested in taking the msm. I have RA that is in a horrible flare and have heard wonderful things about it. I’m currently breastfeeding and wanted to know if it’s safe to take and where to order from! Thanks

Hi Shawn,
I’m 52, got severe eczema about a year ago, tried coconut oil, pycogenol, vit c but nothing much has changed.. I have just bought MSM powder and look forward to start on it today. I have strong weakness for coffee, oats and bread. I have also bought MSM cream to apply. I just hope to see improvements soon.. Life has not been the same since eczema struck me. Thanks!

I’m 30 years old with chronic beck problems & pain. I had my first surgery 5 years ago and need a fusion but worth small kids that hasn’t been an option. After seeing countless doctors (that treat me like I’m a drug addicted) that wouldn’t help or even listen to me I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands & started doing some research. I found MSM flakes & immediately order them. It’s been 2 weeks & so far so good. I can get up & move without pain meds, my hair & nails look & feel amazing and I feel healthier. I even bought my mom some, she has fibermilaga (spelled wrong) chronic back & knee pain. She isn’t taking as much medicine as usual & feels great 2. This is definitely worth trying, I wish I had sooner!

Mr. Stevenson.
I just found your site and I have been taking MSM for about two to three weeks. However, I didn’t get the one that you are taking about and I am interested in knowing if Pure MSM Powder from Sunfood Super foods is ok until I am finish with it and start with the one you are talking about or, should I change immediately??? Please, if you have a minute, lead me in the right direction so that I know If mine is ok for now…
Thank you for your time and cooperation concerning this matter.

I have been talking msm for a month now.am feeling better n got more energy.i take 3000mg in dived dosages.i have had edema before as well as hypothyroid.for yrs i took synthetic.my neck was swollen on the sides.i do see a change on my neck n as well as lost weight on my upper body.i will keep tking m as m cuz its really helped me.i also had excessive sweating.heat exhaution.would msge m help.

Sara, that’s wonderful that you’re seeing all of those benefits. I’m truly happy for you! The reality is, shoring up your nutrient deficiencies will help alleviate a lot of symptoms, but you need to make sure that your overall nutrition and lifestyle are up to par as well. Tons of info and free resources for you in my show archives: http://theshawnstevensonmodel.com/podcasts/

Hello Shawn, Just stumbled upon MSM. My teenage son has a host of problems chronic daily migraine headaches, fatty liver disease, high bp, autistic, etc. he has a hard time with tastes and textures. Are MSM capsules or pills okay or do I need to increase the dose due to absorption issues related to capsules? Also, does MSM help Parkinson’s disease or MS at all? Thanks Shawn!

Hi shawn, first of all thank you for an amazing site, My name is Elzabeth, I am a health conscious type since I was diagnose with H.B.P. I have been searching on internet to find natural cure, it is impossible . I have tried different things ,for egg fish oil, garlic pils, oils and vitamins . They have an affect of lowering it a bit.
I am tired of using medication , I have tried different High Blood medication but it does not work for me , the side effect is a lot . Do you know or have an idea if using SMS will have any positive affect . Please help . thanks and looking forward for your reply.

Hello everyone , just wanted to say how much MSM has helped me. I have been suffering from chronic Gastroparesis caused by a pinched vagus nerve that basically got mangled between masses of twisted muscular scar tissue from severe neck muscular tears. And I basically lived the last 18 years in excruciating pain unable to eat or go to the bathroom regularly , and thinking each day would be my last, but I began taking opti MSM from Kala Health (bergstrom nutraceuticals) available on Amazon . My first week taking it I got sick , (cold) I was told this was from my body detoxifying so I hung in there, and within two weeks my pain and stiffness levels were down by 70% I could actually get out of bed, and I began doing yoga, little by little (healing long pose yoga) and eventually could touch my toes! And I noticed the muscles which were all hard as rock began releasing , little by little, and my digestion started coming back !. It is still on and off, as there is an inflammation cycle associated with coaxing hardened scarred and calcified muscle tissue back to life, (when your body begins noticing the muscles are part of it again it releases prostaglandins) and you have to eat an anti inflammatory diet to help abate the inflammation , the same inflammatory process that kept them stuck in a hyper contrActed state , so it’s all about teaching the muscles to relax over and over with massage, and gentle yoga, good diet, and MSM virtually saved my life.

ive been taking it for about four months and had to start at 2 grams twice a day. i started feeling better after a week or so.
but now if i take more than 6 grams my eyes get tired and dry.
So I dont know if im still having detox symptoms or if its just a normal reaction to too much MSM..

i weigh like 145 pounds and im pretty skinny. what would you recommend?

can I take MSM with maca root? Is it 2 much meds? I have arthritis real baaaaad. My doc perscrib dicflonec scarrrrry drug, I refuse 2 take it, also on deppression meds Zoloft. I’m not a med fanatic onl

Hi I’m keen to take MSM but am on long term blood thinners since my surgery for Primary Peritoneal Cancer. I am very interested in any ideas of how to incorporate this miracle supplement into my regime. They say to add it in the bath water so am going to do this but was wondering if I will still get the same benefits and if so how many baths will I need to do. Would love to be a remission story in my cancer journey Thanks Rita

I’ve been taking MSM for 18 months. Benefits: stopped the flashing in corners of both eyes, nails and hair stronger and grows quicker, less joint pain, more energy, I simply feel better, less anxiety and better mood, much better bowl movements, sleep better. I have never experienced a single supplement with all the benefits. Another thing I’ve experimented with MSM (been off it and back on it) I’m staying on it. I take two 1000 MG daily (some days three). Bob K.

I have just ordered MSM after reading your site. I have polymyalgia, did not want to take the steroids the doctor prescribed, so have to deal with the pain all day. Before this, was very active with tennis and golf. Have been slow walking a mile a day to try and stay a little supple, but pretty painful. Will let you know how I get on with MSM in my body!

G’day Shawn, I’m thinking of taking Msm . I suffer with lots of muscle stiffness ,soreness and strains . Also would like something to improve my digestion, constipation and PMS . Will it help the above problems ???
Does it do anything for sugar and general food cravings ???

Hello Shawn,
thanks for being this good.
Is it safe for one with type 2 diabetes to take msm?, especially one that the capsules contain magnesium stearate? I live in Africa, and that’s the only form of sulphur available.

Also, it’s 1000mg dosage, and suggested to take one, three times daily.
So, if I choose to take like 6 capsules daily, instead of the suggested 3, will I have issues with the magnesium stearate contents? The % of the magnesium stearate wasn’t indicated.

Dear Shawn, thank you for your very helpful website.
I just ordered MSM powder, mainly to help with constipation and thinning hair. Could you tell me how much powder I should start with?
Many thanks!
Annette

I’m taking 1000mg of msm capsules from Walmart for about a week I wanted to know how much should i take for thicker hair I have thinning hair idk why I’ve read that msm should help how much should I take is powder supplement and what info do u have for hair growth thanks for the info on your website

I suffer with the occasional cold sore. Unfortunately when I do get one, it’s huge and takes about 2 weeks to heal. Will MSM help? Can I use it externally as well, by making a paste out of it?
Thank you

hello Shawn, I am about to pick up 98.2 percent pure msm and work it into my diet and also think that it could help my grandmother whos health is on the frits and is just getting worse, she has non alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver and portal hypertensions and has to have ascites fluid taken out of her abdomen every 3 weeks, and has 5 esophageal bands put in to prevent veins in her esophagus from rupturing due to high pressure of blood because of liver pancreas, and spleen damage. she can hardly anything due to pain /nausea/diarrhea and the”doctors” (who a year ago said that Kaisers doesn’t have much concern for the elderly at the moment, which kept her diagnosis unknown and condition worsening),say alls we can do is watch her blood tests as they will only show progression of the disease, I know there something that’s being overlooked, or possibly something like msm that can help 1 if not more of her problems. someone just has to care enough to look for a solution to a problem, which is what I thought doctors were all about, healthcare is a profession and no longer a practice or passion, but if theres anything you or any1 you know thinks msm might help with her situation or if its NOT good for one of her conditions please let me know, because I was just going to have her start taking msm with me but thought maybe theres something to one of her conditions that would make it harmful instead of helpful and figured you would one to ask. I am forever grateful for just the thought, thank you

Kody, I want to thank you first of all for caring so much about your grandmother and asking questions. Sometimes the best thing for us is to simply have someone who cares deeply for us. I’ve seen non-alcoholic liver conditions a time or 200. It’s a natural protective response of the body when it’s being over-burdened by abnormal loads of sugar/carbohydrates. OF COURSE, things can be done to improve her condition, but there’s a lot of foundational things that she needs to learn at her (young) age to help improve the quality of life.

Because she has multiple issues to address, I would get her in to see a functional medicine doctor or integrative medicine doctor in your area like yesterday. Just do a quick google search and book an appointment. She would do best with a team of people who understand the impact of her nutrition, movement, and lifestyle to “wake up” her higher genetic performance. Wishing you all the best!

Dear Shawn………….I am a runner and preparing for my 4th Comrades on the 4 June 2017. I am feeling very despondent at the moment cause my last two marathons was a disaster. So much so that I am even thinking of quiting Comrades. I heard about MSM through a friend. I am experiencing severe pains when I run on my calves I cant even walk the pain gets so bad. Please advise if MSM will help me. Does the capsule form work, as most people are taking the powder. I prefer the capsule. Please could you email a response to me as i am desperate to purchase this product. Kind regards, Sandy.

Sandy, already completing 3 Comrades is quite an accomplishment! You should be incredibly proud of that! Only a fraction of our population have completed competitions like that. Though, I know that you are probably a lot like me and always looking to what’s next.

That said, I’ve learned to listen to my body a lot more. MSM could be helpful (pill or powder form), but maybe there’s a deeper signal that your body is trying to convey to you. I definitely don’t want to take away your dancing shoes (aka your running shoes), but I do want you to consider changing up your training. After all of the road work, there could be some overuse injuries/tissue damage that needs so focused healing. Also, muscle imbalances can easily occur if you’re not doing cross-training and lifting weights to keep your various muscle fibers happy. Check out this interview I did with celebrity Strength & Conditioning Coach Craig Ballantyne: http://theshawnstevensonmodel.com/craig-ballantyne/

Shawn Stevenson is a bestselling author and creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the #1 Health podcast on iTunes with millions of listener downloads each year. A graduate of The University of Missouri - St. Louis, Shawn studied business, biology, and kinesiology, and went on to be the founder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance, a company that provides wellness services for individuals and organizations worldwide. Shawn has been featured in Entrepreneur magazine, Men's Health magazine, ESPN, FOX News, and many other major media outlets. He is also a frequent keynote speaker for numerous organizations, universities, and conferences. Click here to learn more about Shawn